A system of independent computers that are interconnected to share data and resources.

Network

Has resources associated with it, but nothing is shared with another system.

Stand-alone computer

An inefficient way to share resources that involved information being placed on removable media and walked over to another system that requires the data.

"sneaker-net"

Computers with hard drives that provide shared resources to the network users.

Servers

Computers that may or may not have a hard drive that access shared network resources provided by a server.

Clients

The wires or signaling that provide a path for communication.

Media

Data provided to clients by servers across the network.

Shared Data

Any service or device, such as files, printers, or other items, made available for use by members of the network.

Shared resources

Networks are divided into what three basic configurations?

-Centralized computing

-Peer-to-peer networks

-Server based networks

Network configuration in which users gain access to the network from dumb terminals and servers perform the majority of functions and store permanent data.

Centralized Computing

Network configuration that is also called workgroups and usually consists of 10 or less computers, each functioning as a "client" and a "server" and having no centralized hierarchy. Not good for large scale operations where security must be tight.

Peer to peer network

Network configuration that is also called a domain and provides centralized control of network resources. Designed for more large-scale operations that require more security.

Client/Server Based Network

What are the three categories of networks?

Local Area Network (LAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

What are 3 common LAN technologies?

Ethernet (ThickNet, Thinnet, Unshielded Twisted Pair)

Token Ring (Token)

FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface)

What system for switching data is primarily a WAN technology and capable of transmitting data at more than 1 Gbps?

Synchronous optical network (SONET)

_______ is the standard for optical transport and is capable of transmitting data in excess of 1 Gbps.

Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)

Switching data system that is the equivalent of SONET and defines optical-carrier levels and electrical-equivalent synchronous transport signals and is the recommendation of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU)

Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)

Which switching method sends fixed-size packets over broadband and baseband LANs or WANs.

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)

Multiport devices that can act as either:
- hubs to forward data from one computer to another within a network
- router-like devices to forward data at high speeds to remote networks